Kyiv — Russia has equipped some Geran-type, or Shahed-136, kamikaze drones with onboard electronic warfare (EW) systems designed to disrupt the analog video links used by Ukrainian interceptor drones.
The system was identified after Ukrainian specialists examined equipment recovered from a downed Geran drone. Ukrainian defense technology adviser Serhii Beskrestnov, known as Serhii Flash, reported the finding and shared photographs of the recovered equipment, including antennas mounted on the drone's airframe.
Russia has equipped some Geran/Shahed-136 drones with onboard EW systems to disrupt Ukrainian interceptor drone video links. The system targets 5.8 GHz analog signals and reportedly produces interference about 5× stronger than the interceptor’s transmitter. pic.twitter.com/77GxY9UfkU
— The Defense News (@TheDefenseNews) August 25, 2026
How the system works
The EW system is designed to detect the video signal of an approaching Ukrainian FPV interceptor. Its video receiver (VRX) identifies the interceptor's operating frequency, after which the video transmitter (VTX) generates interference on the same frequency band.
A preliminary assessment found that the jammer's signal is about five times more powerful than the interceptor's video transmitter. The interference can cut the live video feed, preventing the ground operator from accurately guiding the interceptor during its final approach.
The recovered system operates mainly in the 5.8 GHz band, which is commonly used for analog FPV video transmission. It consists of a VRX receiver, VTX transmitter and control electronics.
Test results and power consumption
During laboratory testing, the system detected a test video transmitter and activated its jammer after about three seconds, causing the analog video signal to disappear. After the test signal was switched off, the system returned to standby mode in approximately five seconds.
The unit reportedly consumes about 2 watts in standby while scanning for signals and up to 33 watts when actively jamming.
Earlier reports and possible countermeasures
Ukraine had previously reported that Russia was adding EW equipment to some Shahed/Geran drones to counter interceptor UAVs. In May 2026, Ukrainian First Deputy Defense Minister Oleksii Vyskub said modified Shahed drones had been observed with frequency-suppression equipment, including systems fitted toward the rear of some drones.
Footage from mid-August also showed cases in which an interceptor's video feed was disrupted as it approached a Geran.
Possible countermeasures include terminal guidance systems that do not depend on continuous video, digital communication links, and video transmitters operating on non-standard frequencies.
The Geran is Russia's version of the Iranian-designed Shahed-136 family of one-way attack drones. Russia has introduced other modifications to the series, including jet-powered variants and systems supporting real-time control. The addition of onboard EW against interceptor video links is part of the continuing development of the drones to counter Ukraine's increasing use of low-cost interceptor UAVs.
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